Humming Bird Cove Aquaculture International Inc., located in Powell River, British Columbia is the subsidiary of Linghai Shenziting Sea Cucumber Hatchery. Over the past ten years, Linghai Shenziting has been a leading seafood farmer in China’s Liaoning province. Pacific Aquaculture’s base in Powell River is the headquarters for the parent company’s international business.

Plans for Growth and Expansion

Pacific Aquaculture’s primary functions will include shellfish research and development, hatchery, production, marketing and exports. It will not raise or harvest any finfish species. BC will serve as the base for the firm’s expansion into the North American market, followed by potential growth into the European Union. Reflecting a total investment of C$40 million over five years, the business is projected to result in the creation of 30-50 jobs in various occupations in Powell River. The first phase of the company’s operations will include shellfish research and development and a seed hatchery. Over C$10 million has been invested in the construction of the state-of-the-art hatchery at the firm’s 34,000 square metre facility, opens in September 2016. To this facility will be added a research and development lab, nursery facilities and the corporate administration offices.

The second phase is expected to include the production, marketing and export of mature shellfish products. Although the company will begin by raising scallops, it has also received a Canadian federal license for 23 other shellfish species including clams, geoducks, oysters and mussels, which it plans to harvest in the coming years. Once the second phase of investment is completed by September 2020, the business will have the potential to be the largest shellfish hatchery and farming operation in North America, when operating at full capacity.

Future Expansion and Export Growth

Pacific Aquaculture’s decision to locate its headquarters in the province speaks to many advantages that BC has to offer. With Canada’s international reputation for safe, reliable and sustainable food products, having a made-in-BC brand will also bolster Pacific Aquaculture’s sales in other countries, and exports of are anticipated to begin in 2018.

The province’s relative geographic proximity to the United States and Asia, excellent air links and a multitude of logistics firms with experience in shipping fresh seafood rapidly and safely also means that the company is strategically positioned to sell its products to the global marketplace. BC’s strong business ecosystem and support for international investment underpins Pacific Aquaculture’s confidence in its decision to choose Powell River, British Columbia as the home for its global business.